The West Island Women’s Centre, one of the oldest in Montreal, was founded in 1975 after a women’s conference at John Abbott College. It began with simple weekly programs at the Lakeshore Unitarian Church but briefly closed in 1976 before being revived by volunteers. Centraide funding in 1977 secured its survival, and support from governments, municipalities, and fundraising has sustained it ever since.
From modest beginnings, the Centre grew to over 600 members and now offers 45–50 classes each session, along with outreach programs for families, immigrants, and teens. It hired its first executive director in 1997, expanded staff, and in 2010 moved to St. Columba-by-the-Lake Church to accommodate its growth.
Today, with a strong team, diverse programs, and continued community partnerships, the Centre remains true to its founding mission: women helping women to lead fulfilling lives. And our story continues.
